Improvement in cotton-gins



PATEN MERRILL E. PRATT, OF PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA.

K IMPROVEMENT IN COTTON-GINS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 140,791, dated July 15, 1873; application filed May 13, 1873.

in such position that the inner surfaces of the heads or sides of the box correspond with the inner surfaces of the'rotating plates. The plates, too, are of such a diameter and placed in such position that their circumferences cover substantially all of the surface of the heads or sides of the box with which the roll of cotton is likely to come in contact when the machine is in operation. The object of the invention is to diminish the friction in cotton-gins of ordinary construction, caused by the roll of cotton within the hopper coming in contact with the interior surfaces of the heads or ends of the cotton-box.

Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of a cotton-box embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a sectional view, showing the interior arrangement and construction.

A A are the heads or ends of the cottonbox, which is of usual construction, being arranged in the present instance with reference to the swinging front, which, with the ledge hereinafter described, is in some degree necessary, although not absolutely essential, to an entirely successful operation of the invention, as will more fully appear. The usual grate is provided, and a swinging front, 0, pivoted at the upper part of the heads or sides, to rest within them. To the swinging front 0 is attached the ledge D, the length of which coincides with the width of the swinging front, and which is of sufficient depth, and placed in such position as to form, with the other parts when the front is closed, a chamber of a cylindrical shape, within which the roll is confined. In this chamber it will be seen, being nearly circular, there will be but little friction, except against the vertical sides of the heads of the box. To prevent this friction, which, as aforesaid, is the object of the invention, the plates E, which are preferably of cast-iron, of circular form, and of a diameter as nearly equal to the depth of the heads of the box as may be practicable, are let into the heads of the box so as to occupy as nearly as possible all of the spaces at the ends of the chamber with which the roll would be likely to come in contact while the machine is in operation. In the present instance the plates E are rotated by the shaft H, which may be operated by any suitable meansapplied at its extremities outside of the hopper. About the shaft H, equidistant therefrom, but not so far removed as to occupy enough space to interfere with the roll, are arranged the rods I,

forming a circular cage or screen.v Near the outer edge of the plates E are the inwardlyprojecting studs K, which serve to facilitate the movement of the roll.

It will be seen that the effect of my invention is to prevent in a great degree all friction against the heads or sides of the cottonbox by causing the parts of the same, (which would, in a box of the usual construction, occopy the space that is covered by the outer parts of the plates D,) that are exposed to the ends of the roll and impede its motion, to revolve, thus assisting the process of ginning instead of retarding it.

It is plain that the shaft H maybe omitted, as well as the rods I, without changing the object of the invention, as the plates E may be rotated by a positive movement properly communicated, or will be actuated by the action of the ends of the roll of cotton in the hopper.

I am awarethat the ledge D is protected by Letters Patent of the United States, and I do not claim it as my invention; but

What I do claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

A cotton-box provided with the revolving plates E let into its heads or sides, substantially as shown, said plates operating as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing improvement in cotton-gins I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th day of May, 1873.

MERRILL E. PRATT. [L. s.]

Witnesses J. W. MATHEWS, J. A. SMILEY. 

